The fascinating world of Cirebon

I now know why I was chosen for Indonesia - to learn patience. This is a part of the world where nothing gets done on any schedule, and if a schedule is made, it's with understanding that it won't be adhered to. For example, I am sitting in an empty classroom, with nothing to do since the children are on holiday and the school is moving to a new location. We, the staff or waiting for boxes to pack up materials. We have been waiting for a day now, and I'm not sure when anything will arrive. An American married to an Indonesian woman said time can be measured in the US, but in Indonesia it flows like water.

I am also getting use to the geikos and cockroaches greeting me in the morning and any time during the night that I get up. I finally have propane to cook with - on a burner that is very tempermental. I boiled water for coffee today - since anything you purchase is very sweet. All coffee (as far as I can tell) is instant which still baffles me since coffee is a major crop. I will attempt to purchase rice and veggies at a stall later today, where I hear haggling is part of the "experience".

I am also getting use to taking a "shower" which consists of scooping cold water out of a narrow tub and throwing it on myself. It's rather refreshing since it's very hot and the only room that is air conditioned is the bedroom. However, the no toilet paper and the squatting into a hole will take some getting use to- or not.

Between 4:00 am and 4:00 pm the calls for pray from the Mosque begins. Each mosque has an elaborate PA system in which they broadcast the songs and prayers. The first night I hardly noticed it, but as I'm less sleep deprived I am awakened by it on a regular basis.

I will be teaching a combined class of second and third graders- along with a new teacher from Jakarta. I met her today and she has never taught - has had only experience with student teaching in kindergarten. I have been given a number of teachers manuals but nothing seems clear. I will be teaching English, math, social sciences (with a book from the US!) science, art (more like art history!) and PE. Thankfully I won't be teaching music, character, Indonesian or Mandarin the other subjects. Classes begin at 7:00 am and go until 12:30 for second graders and then 2:30 for the third graders.
I haven't figured out how to send pictures as of yet (since this isn't my computer). Once we move and are up and running I will get someone to help me.

Even though Cirebon (C is pronounced as CH) is famous for its shrimp - I went by the harbor and it is filled with coal, and industry. This city is much noisier, busy and filled with unemployment and beggars than I imagined. Driving is a sight to behold, since there are no rules and people drive on both sides of the road whenever it seems to suit them. Cars fight for space along with bekaks (bicycle rickshaws), motorcycles (very popular) mini buses (more like a van), bicycles and trucks. There is no road rage and accidents are very infrequent- but it's amazing. I took a mini bus to the school yesterday with the help of Anna who has been here for two years now. She is fluent in Indonesian (at least I think so) and has been very supportive and helpful.

Hopefully I've given you a taste of what I am experiencing. Thank you for all of your support and encouragement- and keep the posts coming!
Cheers-
Carol